Dream On(38)

My mom stares at Devin for so long he’s the first to look away. After what feels like an eternity, she shrugs. “God works in mysterious ways.”

“Since when do you believe in God?”

“Just because we didn’t go to church when you were growing up doesn’t mean I don’t believe in God. And I think he brought you two together for a reason.”

“Mom,” I hiss under my breath.

“I know, don’t mind me. I’m still in shock. And I’m sorry, was I interrupting something?”

“No, you—”

“I brought a car over for Cass to test-drive,” Devin says.

She whips her head in my direction so fast her hair swishes around her chin. “You’re finally driving?”

“Not yet.”

“Well, you should. It’s been a year. You need to get back on the horse if you ever want to drive again.”

Devin slides onto the bench next to Mom. “You know, that’s exactly what I said.”

“I like him,” she says to me.

Yeah, yeah, Devin’s great. “I will drive. Someday. But not today.”

“I understand.” He nods heavily. “Well, I should get going. I need to return the car and get back to the office by two for a meeting. It was nice to meet you—”

“Melanie,” Mom says.

“Melanie,” he repeats, taking her hand in his. Color flushes across Mom’s cheeks. I don’t remember the last time I’ve seen her flustered like this. Then again, Devin tends to have that effect on people.

“Likewise,” she says.

“We’ll talk later,” Devin adds to me, standing.

Nerves pinch my gut and I force a tight smile. “Yeah. Later.”

Mom and I watch him weave through the parking lot. Once he disappears into the Lexus and the engine revs, she whirls on me.

“You met him weeks ago and didn’t tell me?” She slaps my arm.

I rub the spot. “Ow.”

“I can’t believe it. He looks exactly like your drawings. Is he the same as you remember?”

“Yes… and no.”

“Well. Let me just say, I am impressed. He’s polite, thoughtful, not to mention quite the looker. And he’s encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone, which is exactly what you need.”

“I’m sorry, is this reality, or am I living in an alternate universe? You actually approve of me dating? Who are you and what did you do with my mother?”

“Don’t be so dramatic. I think it’s perfectly fine for you to date.”

“Since when?”

“Since now. You’re a grown woman. You’ve earned your law degree, and you have a bright future ahead of you. I was hard on you when you were younger because I didn’t want you to make the same mistakes I did.”

“Like getting knocked up at seventeen?” She flinches like I’ve struck a physical blow. Guilt pools in my gut. “Mom, I’m sorry, I—”

“No, you’re right. I didn’t want you to become a teenage mom and struggle like I did.” Gripping my shoulder, she stares into my eyes. “But don’t think for a second I regret having you. You’ve been the most incredible, rewarding surprise of my life, and I wouldn’t trade you for anything in the world. But still, having a baby so young was tough, especially after your grandparents kicked me out. I learned the hard way that the only person who can provide for you is you. That’s why I push you. To make sure you can stand on your own two feet and live the life you deserve.”

On an impulse, I throw my arms around her and squeeze. “I love you, Mom.”

“I love you too, honey.”

“You approve of Devin then?”

“Is he supportive of your career?”

“Very.”

“Then yes. You need someone like him, someone who pushes you to be your best. He did something nice for you today, and it sounds like you didn’t take it well.”

“Don’t you think it was kind of presumptuous though? He brought over a car without talking to me about it first because he assumed that’s what I wanted.”

“Cass, if the worst thing Devin has done is bring you a car to test-drive, it sounds like you have a winner on your hands.”

Crossing my legs, I fold my arms over my chest and stare out at the river as a cluster of three yellow and orange kayaks slice through the calm water, passing us by. A breeze lifts a tendril of hair from my neck. Maybe Mom’s right. Maybe I was too hard on him.

“Talk to him. Apologize if you overreacted. Don’t let this one go,” she says.

Snuggling closer, I rest my head on her shoulder. “Okay. Thanks, Mom. I’ll talk to him.”





I log off my computer and pack my bag at five thirty, even though I would normally stay another hour, at least. Mercedes is still working, and she gives me a sidelong glance when I leave.

I pull out my phone in the elevator and my fingers hover over my most recent text conversation with Devin. Mom’s right, I should apologize—it’s not his fault he didn’t know about my driving-induced panic attacks.

Can we talk… in person?



Sure. Meet me at B&B when you get off work? I promised Perry I’d swing by to help him with something.